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"Reference" Preamps

Seems like every time I turn my head there's a new "reference" preamp available. Heck, in this month's stereophile there are TWO that are better than anything else out there. Seems like their reviewers don't talk to one another.

Problem is that no one in the press ever wants to COMPARE sonics anymore, but they're oh so quick to throw superlatives around, and gush over dozens of subjective attributes.

I want to upgrade my ARC LS25mk2 preamp and would like to know where to spend my time. These are all $10kish msrp preamps that would hopefully fall into the "last preamp I'll ever want to own" category.

Audio Research Reference 3
Ayre K1xe
BAT VK-51SE
EAR 912
Mark Levinson 326

Didn't make my list:

Conrad-Johnson ACT2 (no balanced outs)
Hovland HP1000 (no balanced outs)
Lamm Reference 2 (no remote, separate volume controls)

Would someone care to start offering comparative opinions on these? What other preamps should I add to this list?

Thanks!
128x128ghunter
sheffb
64 posts
 
I dare say the deHavilland Mercury 2 would not be embarassed in the company of "the reference preamps", at probably 1/2 to 1/4th the cost. See the "Enjoy the Music" review. The Mercury has been the most exciting addition to my audio system in 40 years.
vicdamone
850 posts
 
Ghunter-I see your point. An alternative would be to locate a dealer who sells at least two of the products on your short list, call them and be absolutely honest about your intension. Their response might be brief but there's a good chance of gaining some solid insight.

Reflection is literally a one man operation. I happened on this product completely by accident and was fortunate to purchase a full boat unit used for $3600, the only one I'ver ever seen before or since. You would have to contact Stephen for current pricing. My previous preamp was a recently fully upgraded Audible Illusions M3A. The difference the Quantum made in my system was stunning.

I wish you well in your search, take care.

Vic
clfcarney
29 posts
 
shindo vosne-romanee stereo preamplifier:$16,000,all tube,world class phonostage included,output trasformers on XLR connectors.It sounds real.
It takes one's breath away(at least in my system).
elhazard
11 posts
 
Although I haven't had the chance to hear any of these models, I still think that you should consider them if your looking for something in this price range:

MBL 5011 - 8400 USD
Boulder 1010 - 12000 USD
Simaudio Moon Evolution P-8 - 11000 USD
Accuphase C-2810 - 10000 USD (in Japan)
Pass Labs X0.2 - 10000 USD
YBA PASSION 1000 - 10000 USD (in Europe)
microstrip
180 posts
 
The preamp section of the ASR emitter II exclusive version blue if you are using this amplifier. I tried connecting my ARC reference 3 to it and use it only as a power amp - volume in optimal position "51" as advised - and it degraded the sound quality.
BTW, cd player was the ARC CD7 that has an output stage similar to the ref 3 , may be other cd players would result
in different opinions.
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